The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a 12-member Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM). This committee, established under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is tasked with the critical role of advising on the granting of pardons and clemency to convicts, aligning with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The initiative was officiated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who underscored the constitutional significance of the committee’s work. Under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), the President holds the authority to grant pardons to individuals convicted of offenses under acts of the National Assembly.
The committee, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), includes representatives from various key institutions such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the National Human Rights Commission. It also comprises members from religious organizations like the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Christian Association of Nigeria, alongside legal luminaries including Justice Augustine Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (CON, SAN), and Prof. Nike Sidikat Ijaiya.
The newly formed body is set to serve a four-year term, with responsibilities that include reviewing numerous applications for presidential pardon and clemency submitted to the Attorney-General’s office. AGF Fagbemi has noted the overwhelming number of these applications, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to evaluating each case objectively in the public’s and justice’s interest.
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The PACPM’s mandate extends beyond the office; it will also visit correctional facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to assess the eligibility of convicts and ex-convicts for pardon or clemency. This approach is not only about granting mercy but also about decongesting correctional facilities and facilitating the reintegration of rehabilitated individuals back into society.
However, the initiative has sparked discussions on its implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive. Past presidential pardons, notably in 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, have faced criticism for potentially undermining anti-corruption efforts by pardoning high-profile individuals convicted of financial misappropriation.
Critics argue that while the concept of mercy is noble, its execution must be balanced against the need for accountability, particularly in corruption cases. The committee, therefore, has a delicate task ahead, ensuring that the power of pardon is exercised in a manner that upholds justice while also reflecting compassion.
The establishment of this committee has been widely reported across various media platforms, highlighting its role in potentially reshaping Nigeria’s approach to criminal justice and rehabilitation. Posts on X have echoed the government’s press release, signaling public interest and diverse opinions on the matter.
As the committee begins its work, it will be crucial for it to navigate the fine line between mercy and justice, ensuring that the prerogative of mercy enhances rather than detracts from Nigeria’s governance and legal integrity.
